Infused Vinegar Fabric Softener DIY

I know it’s much healthier to use laundry detergent that is unscented. Sometimes, though, with unscented detergent I find that really strong odors can still linger in the clothing after being washed. I have been using vinegar as a fabric softener for a long time, but I wanted to kick it up a notch by infusing the vinegar with lavender and cloves in hopes of making it extra scent-busting. Here is the recipe for Lavender and Clove Infused Vinegar Fabric Softener.

Lavender and Clove Infused Vinegar Fabric Softener

3 cups vinegar

3 tbsp lavender buds

2 tbsp whole cloves

Place all ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake gently.

Put the jar in a sunny spot to infuse for about two weeks.

Shake occasionally.

Strain and pour into suitable container.

To use, pour into the fabric softener section of the washing machine to the full line.

I use this lavender and clove infused vinegar fabric softener in conjunction with dryer balls in the dryer to soften my clothes and remove static.

Vinegar on its own will act as a fabric softener and eliminate static. It is also supposed to prevent fading and neutralize unpleasant odors. The addition of the lavender and cloves is mostly for the added scent. You can infuse it with all sorts of other options such as citrus peels, rosemary, eucalyptus, and more.

I had been somewhat worried about staining my clothes when I saw how darkly coloured the vinegar turned out. I tested it on a small load of whites, and everything came out bright and clean, so there’s no worries there. I did another load that had some sweaty workout clothes, and they smelled fresh and clean. Yay! My only issue is that it still didn’t work on campfire smoke clothes. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Grace

liz n.

August 4, 2016 at 11:20 pm

If the smoke-infused clothing isn’t dark-colored or brights, add 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar straight into the washing machine tub, along with whatever laundry detergent you normally use. Let your laundry soak for 20-30 minutes before running the washing cycle. You might have to do this a couple of times. Line dry in the sun, if possible.

If the clothes are dark-colored or brights, run through the wash as usual, then soak in 2 tablespoons hair conditioner + 1 tablespoon vinegar per half gallon of water for a couple of hours. Run through the wash once more, line dry in the sun if possible.